The Paper Mirror
a Dick Hardesty Mystery

Dorien Grey

This review is by Molly

The Paper Mirror: a Dick Hardesty Mystery by Dorien Grey narrative opens with a ringing telephone. Private Investigator Dick Hardesty is working on a crossword. Before long his thoughts turn to incidents covering the previous months. Dick and his partner have become parents to Jonathan’s orphaned four-year-old nephew. Plus Dick has just worked with the police to solve a puzzling series of murders at the newly established Burrows library housing both eccentric Chester Butler’s extensive collection of papers and books centering on homosexuality, as well as the Gay Archives which have heretofore been housed in a small storefront.

Chester Burrows, reclusive gay, wealthy and dead at 89 collected every thing written bearing the word homosexual. His companion of later years was noted writer Evan Knight who has a grasp of the nuances of the 20s and 30s not often found in modern authors. Knight was hired to by Burrows to get his collection in order, catalogue and protect. Evan devoted a good bit of his effort to the extensive ‘Butler’ papers. During the 20s and 30s Jerromy Butler was a brimstone and hellfire despiser of homosexuality.

Upon Burrows’ death a million dollar bequest provides that the Burrows Foundation be set into place. It is at the celebratory party announcing the opening of the Burrows Library that a body is found in the basement. How cataloguer Taylor Cates died is apparent; blunt trauma to the back of his head. He has fallen down the stairs. Attorney Glen O’Banion, Burrows Foundation Board Member arranges for Dick Hardesty to begin an investigation. The police call the death an accident, O’Banion and others on the board think perhaps not. Hardesty is convinced that Cates’ death is murder. But, how to prove it, and why will take all of Hardesty’s skill as a detective.

As he continues his writing; Writer Dorien Grey just gets better. In this reviewer’s opinion The Paper Mirror: a Dick Hardesty Mystery by Dorien Grey is the best to date. As is found in other writings offered by writer Grey characters are clever, often conniving, excellently masterminded and thoroughly developed. From the disdainful Evan Knight, sneering Burrow’s nephew Zach Clanton, and contemptuous Butler grandson Collin, to young, sixteen year old Craig Richman, a fellow we have met before and who is coming to grips with his own gender identity, to Craig’s patient, father Mark Richman each is credible and engaging. They are not all agreeable or likeable.

Characters we have come to know and enjoy from reading previous Dorien Grey: Attorney Glen O’Banion, police officers Mark Richman and Marty Gresham, Bob Allen and his partner Mario, assistant Medical Examiner Tim and his partner model Phil, Tondelaya O’toole - Teddy Wilson well known drag queen who appears at a fundraiser at the dance bar Steamroller Junction are all included in the tale. Teddy knew one murder victim, Taylor Cates, they were neighbors when Taylor was younger.

Zestful energy, appealing perplexity and potent dialog are offered in this tale filled with profuse strife in this well written, fast paced tale. The Paper Mirror: a Dick Hardesty Mystery by Dorien Grey reveals a razor sharp account with wit and eclat. I particularly enjoyed the repartee between Hardesty and Jonathan as they settle into their roles as new parents to an energetic youngster.

Not for everyone, while no explicit sexual scenes there is some oblique reference to sexual activity. Those who are unable to get beyond their own bias will not see beyond the references to the gay community. On the other hand The Paper Mirror: a Dick Hardesty Mystery by Dorien Grey is an excellent choice for any who enjoy a good mystery, excellent presentation and fine writing.

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The Dirt Peddler
The Role Players
The Paper Mirror